The Mendocino Care Court has had a quiet launch, with no petitions filed and no hearings held in its first two weeks. The program, mandated by the Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2022, aims to address severe mental health challenges through court interventions and voluntary treatment plans.
Governor Newsom highlighted the state’s unprecedented financial backing for the initiative, which is part of a broader $14.7 billion homelessness package. “This program is supported by $11.6 billion for community behavioral health resources and $1.4 billion for workforce development to train social workers and counselors,” Newsom said. "This is unprecedented support to make this program work."
Kim Turner, executive director of the Mendocino County Superior Court, explained the program’s framework. "It's a voluntary program," she said. "And its purpose is to provide support and resources to people who are undergoing either schizophrenic disorders or psychotic disorders, who do not currently have a stable treatment plan and need help accessing the right mental health resources, housing resources, and other resources so that they can be successful in the community." Participants are not forced to follow a plan but are offered an opportunity for support.
Behavioral Health Deputy Director Karen Lovato described Care Court as an extension of existing therapeutic processes in Mendocino County. “It's the newest and one of a number of civil court processes or therapeutic courts," she said. "Mendocino County has had a long history of collaboration between behavioral health department and our courts for a number of both criminal and civil court processes, and so the CARE Act and the Care Court process is just another version of that.
"Some of the most vulnerable of our population are just not quite seeking treatment effectively voluntarily and might need an additional support team to do that. There are some folks out there who may be more willing to seek treatment if a judge and a formal court is suggesting that."
One unique aspect of Care Court is its open referral process. Petitions can be filed by family members, friends, neighbors, or teachers who believe an individual would benefit. A self-help center in Ukiah’s main courthouse assists with the filing process and initial eligibility screenings.
Despite its promise, early data from the program’s initial rollout in 11 California counties reveals significant challenges. According to the Judicial Council of California, only 150 people statewide were placed in court-approved treatment during the first year, while 362 others were redirected to alternative services.
Mendocino County has yet to receive a petition under the program.
As the program progresses, local leaders remain hopeful it will provide meaningful support to individuals and families navigating severe mental health challenges.
